Birch Run Area Schools proposes $17.8M bond without raising millage rate

The bond will fund upgrades to classrooms, infrastructure, and safety at Birch Run Area Schools.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:22am

A repeating grid pattern of a stylized school bus icon rendered in bright neon colors and heavy black outlines, creating a vibrant pop art composition that captures the energy and optimism around the school district's bond proposal.A bold, colorful illustration celebrating the community's continued investment in Birch Run's public schools through a proposed bond measure.Birch Run Today

Birch Run Area Schools is proposing a $17.8 million bond that will fund upgrades to classrooms, infrastructure, and safety at the district's schools. The bond will be voted on by the community on May 5th and, if approved, would not raise the current 2.6 mill property tax rate.

Why it matters

The bond proposal aims to address aging facilities and infrastructure needs across the Birch Run Area Schools district without increasing the tax burden on local residents. Passing the bond would allow the district to make critical improvements to safety, technology, and educational spaces without raising costs for taxpayers.

The details

The $17.8 million bond is broken down into three main focus areas: safety and security upgrades like new door access systems and fire alarms; improvements to student learning spaces including additional classrooms, upgraded skilled trades equipment, and furniture replacement; and repairs to the district's physical infrastructure such as roof replacements, boiler upgrades, and plumbing work. While the total bond amount has not changed significantly, the length of the bond has been reduced from 20 years to 18 years.

  • Voters will have the chance to approve the $17.8 million bond on May 5, 2026.
  • The current 2.6 mill property tax rate would remain unchanged if the bond is approved.

The players

Birch Run Area Schools

The public school district serving the Birch Run, Michigan community.

Nate Mausolf

Executive Director of Initiatives and Operations at Birch Run Area Schools.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest thing we are trying to get people to understand is, It's just a way to continue to support the schools at the same exact rate that they're currently supporting them at.”

— Nate Mausolf, Executive Director of Initiatives and Operations

What’s next

Voters in the Birch Run Area Schools district will have the opportunity to approve the $17.8 million bond on May 5, 2026. Residents who are unable to vote in person can sign up for an absentee ballot ahead of the election.

The takeaway

By proposing a bond that will not raise the current property tax rate, Birch Run Area Schools is seeking to address critical facility and infrastructure needs without increasing the financial burden on local taxpayers. The bond's focus on safety, student learning spaces, and building maintenance demonstrates the district's commitment to providing a high-quality education while maintaining fiscal responsibility.